Preece doubtful for Bulldogs' 'biggest game of the season'
BATLEY Bulldogs are preparing for what coach Karl Harrison described as 'the biggest game of the season' against Doncaster on Sunday (3pm).
The match, which was postponed due to Batley’s Challenge Cup tie with Salford in May, will be played at Featherstone Rovers RLFC as work is being carried out on the Keepmoat Stadium pitch.
The Bulldogs just missed out on victory in Toulouse last Saturday, following recent successes over Whitehaven and Widnes, and know Sunday offers a big chance to pull clear of the Co-operative Championship relegation zone.
A storming second-half fightback earned Batley a bonus point and that kept them just ahead of second-bottom Gateshead, who gained a superb victory at Leigh.
Now Harrison will have to make sure his players are focused on the job in hand for a game where, based on improved performances over recent weeks, many will see the Bulldogs as favourites.
Harrison said: “I think Sunday is the biggest game of the season for the club and the biggest game since I’ve been here. It is the first time we are playing someone beneath us and will require a different mindset.”
Doncaster have not won since April 9 when they beat South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Eagles 23-22 at the Don Valley Stadium. Since then they have lost all seven games and gone into administration.
They have not played since a 50-12 defeat at Whitehaven on May 31 and have seen several players leave the club, including Paul Handforth who scored a try and landed the vital drop goal at Sheffield.
Handforth is now settling in at Mount Pleasant and forming a good partnership at half-back with Paul Mennell.
The duo again impressed against Toulouse last weekend helping to drive on the pack, which saw big displays from John Simpson, Craig Potter and Anthony Henderson, back in first team action after breaking a thumb in February.
Harrison believes playing Sunday’s game at a neutral ground will not favour either side , while Doncaster’s financial plight does make preparations a little tricky.
With several players leaving the club, Doncaster are trying to sign others on match terms only. They were understood to be talking to three players earlier this week but as yet there has been no news of new recruits. As the coach put it: “We don’t know who will be in Doncaster’s team. Preparations are going well but we will go into the game a little bit blind.”
The only real injury worry for Sunday is full-back Ian Preece.
The Bulldogs were waiting for swelling at the back of a knee to go down but Preece is rated as doubtful to face Doncaster.
Reflecting on the Toulouse game and trip Harrison added: “It was a great experience for the players and the club.
“We received terrific support and speaking to officials after the game they said it was the biggest away support for a Championship game so far.
“It is not the cheapest or easiest of places to get to and it was a great effort by our fans.”
He said the game was very tight throughout and only a slack spell of 10 minutes at the start of the second half cost them dear, when Mennell was off the field and they were trying to reorganise.
Harrison added: “There was nothing between the sides and we have come on in leaps and bounds, especially during the last month.”
Fans’ coach
THE Batley Supporters’ Club coach on Sunday will leave Branch Road, Batley at 1pm and Birstall Library at 1.15pm.
The fare is 9 for members, 10 for non-members, 3 for juniors and 5 for junior non-members.
To book a seat call 01924 510833.
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Weather for Batley
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
